Souther Country Lodge

In the Blue Ridge mountains, on a 3-acre plateau carved out of the mountainside, this classic country estate is the perfect venue for your unforgettable large gathering

At a Glance
* 11-bedroom, 10 ½-bath English-style countryside inn, sleeps 22
* 1 2-BR suite with living area; 1 accessible bedroom on ground level
* Ideal property for memorable gatherings: intimate weddings, events, corporate retreats, reunions, bachelor/ette parties, milestone birthdays, etc.
* Sits on a 200-acre wildlife preserve with hiking trails, two ponds, and stunning 180º mountain views
* Between Blairsville and Young Harris in the majestic Appalachian Range: peaceful mountain charm just a couple hours’ pretty driving from Atlanta
* Classic & classy: decorated in the timeless style of the country estate
* Unobstructed (and indescribably beautiful!) view all the way to Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest peak
* Industrial-grade modern kitchen capable of feeding a small Balkan country
* Large veranda (perfect for sunrise coffee and cocktail hour, alike)
* Beautiful dining room with large fireplace
* Parlor with billiards table
* TV room
* Mountainside fire pit with gorgeous view

The Souther Country Lodge Story...

Sitting in a wicker chair on the veranda of Souther Country Lodge during Golden Hour, tall cold drink in hand, looking up at Brasstown Bald, the highest peak in Georgia… it’s easy to imagine you’re the only person around, far as the eye can see. And more than three decades ago, when the Lodge was built, you would have been.

Ben Citrin owns the property with his five siblings, along with the 200 acres of wildlife preserve it’s on, which has been in his family for 50 years. In 1991, when his mother started building the Lodge, Blairsville was not what it is today. She was a pioneer who wanted to bring people to the Blue Ridge Mountains — an area off the beaten tourism path, to say the least.

“There sure as heck weren’t any Porsches around then,” Ben laughs.

You can’t tell the Lodge’s story without talking about the special woman who envisioned and built it. Ben remembers his mom with pride and admiration. Georgia Lee Souther was born in Mississippi in the hardscrabble 20s, became a nurse, and moved to Florida. One day, assisting with a patient, she met Ben’s dad, a doctor.

“They met over a broken arm,” Ben tells me. “Two weeks later, they were married.”

They were together for 70 years, slowly buying land in North Georgia, so they could one day leave it to their six kids. They came from humble beginnings, and owning property was the epitome of “making it,” after all.

After her husband died, Georgia Lee came up to Blairsville to build on the land they had been acquiring. Standing in the very spot that the Lodge is on today, she looked out across the valley, and declared it the most beautiful view in the world. Right then she decided to level that part of the mountain and start building.

“You have to understand, this was the late 80’s,” Ben says. “Here was this old southern lady with dreams of literally carving out a three-acre flat spot on the mountain to build an 11-room English style inn. It was unheard of. Remember that this was before the world was ready for ‘the Blairsville Experience.’ Most folks (men) laughed in her face.”

Despite a lot of pushback and a literal mountain of obstacles, the Lodge opened its doors in 1993 as a bed and breakfast.

“It did great,” Ben tells me, “and she was right about that view. After all these many years I still catch myself absolutely mesmerized by its beauty. I watch the clouds rolling in, the weather system changing… it’s like looking at a living painting.”

But despite that view and the Lodge’s spacious grandeur, the b&b simply couldn’t keep up with the development all around: the resorts and chain hotels.

After Georgia Lee Souther passed, Ben took it upon himself to breathe new life into Souther Country Lodge. Restoring the classic inn has become his passion project — and a family legacy he hopes his kids will approach with the same love and dedication. As their grandmother did, before him.

“It’s a magical place,” Ben tells me, and though I don’t know him very well, I intuit that this is not a man for hyperbole. He describes the rooms and suites, with their classic charm and floral wallpaper, then tells me about the grand dining room that would comfortably fit 40 people. The industrial-grade kitchen. The billiards table. The creek running down the middle of the property. He tells me how it’s an escape from the everyday, the city, the bustle. The word he uses is, “rejuvenating.”

“And you have to see the wildlife!”

As a result of development all manner of local fauna, dozens of species of birds and woodland creatures great and small, are pushed to Ben’s land, which is in the Chattahoochee National Forest.

The people Ben brings up to the Lodge are surprised that a place like it still exists in these modern times.

“Can you imagine looking at that pasture down there and seeing 70 deer hanging out?” he asks me.

***

What was once the dream of an old southern lady who came from nothing has evolved into a timeless-yet-modern retreat in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

My story ends here, while you and your gathering of friends, family, colleagues, or clients… are about to start yours at Souther Country Lodge.

Pro Tips & Local Wisdom

Scenic nature and fun outdoors, galore: hike the Appalachian Trail, explore Vogel State Park, and boat, fish, and swim in nearby Lake Chatuge
Hike then take in the view from Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest peak (visible from the lodge)
Small-town charm with big perks: explore Young Harris, a lively but quaint college town, and Blairsville, a mountain gem known for locally owned shops, restaurants, and community events
Sour grapes (and grains): enjoy a glass of wine and breathtaking views at Crane Creek Vineyards; get in the mountain spirit at Grandaddy Mimm’s Distilling Co.; and have a pint or two of the local brew (and some live music, likely as not) at Blairsville Brewing Company

The Small Print

The Sounds of Silence: please limit outdoor use of speakers and other amplified sound equipment to 8:00 am through 10:00 pm, Sunday through Thursday; 8:00 am through 11:00 pm, Friday and Saturday

We put together a starter kit for your arrival (5 trash bags under kitchen sink, 1 roll of paper towels per kitchen, 3 rolls of t.p. per bathroom, small bars of body soap) — please anticipate any needs beyond that, and stock up in town or bring from home

Suds and beans can be very personal choices: please bring your own laundry detergent and coffee

You’ll find an ample supply of dish soap, shampoo, conditioner, and hand soap.

Need us? We got you,24/7. Give us a buzz and we’ll be there in a jiff to help you with any unforeseen detail.

From our entire team, a big thank-you for choosing SVR — and booking so much more than a rental property.

Born and bred here in Georgia, we ensure our clients feel the warmth of our southern hospitality and have unforgettable stays in beautiful homes — in one of the prettiest landscapes the country has to offer.

After nearly 10,000 stays and thousands of glowing reviews, we’re prouder than ever of what we do.

We love North Georgia — and we love sharing her with you. In each of our cabins you’ll find an “Experience the Mountains” manual full of suggestions about local attractions such as hikes and sightseeing, as well as our favorite restaurants in town.

Want to connect with us about anything from the layout of the property to our favorite local merlot? Give us a shout. Someone on our team of locals (possibly me) will be happy to chat with you, answer any questions, and help you book your next dream mountain vacation.

We can’t wait to see you soon in our neck of the woods… and mountains, and lakes, and so much more.

❤️Joni, Founder & Director, SVR